UK grocer J Sainsbury is planning to launch zones in their stores dedicated to men to encourage the uptake of male grooming products, according to newspaper The Mail on Sunday. The zones will sell basic personal care products such as soap, deodorants and shampoo but will also sell eye creams and moisturizers. The paper reported…

US sunglass maker and retailer Oakley has reported an 80 percent drop in first quarter profits as operating expenses rose and margins fell. The strong sale of sunglasses did not compensate for the challenges the California-based retailer. The company’s clothing, footwear and accessories division realized net sales of $36.8 million (£20.5 million), down 8.8 percent…

Agent Provocateur has joined forces with knitwear specialist John Smedley to create a luxury collection. The collection features of two lines: French Maid and Skater Girl. French Maid consists of a minidress, a scoop-neck sweater and coordinating cotton underwear with black and white frill trim. Meanwhile, Skater Girl consists of a leotard, a short-sleeved top…

Polo Ralph Lauren reported a surge in first quarter earnings of 58 percent to $80.2 million (£42.0 million). Revenues jumped 26.8 percent for the three months ended 1 July to $491.2 million, including a 45.7 percent gain in wholesale sales to $751.9 million and a 15.3 percent jump in retail sales to $412.1 million. Net…

New York-based designer and style icon Carolina Herrera has lashed out at women who follow the trends religiously. “You have to realise what looks well on you and what is your age also,” she says. “You can’t dress like a 15-year-old and be 50 or 60. Some women should buy a very important accessory –…

Versace’s Versus brand is returning to the fray with a new format. Bringing the label back to the forefront is Versace executive Dante D’Angelo. “We want to create a new market niche called technological luxury,â€? he told WWD. “We are not planning to do apparel. Instead, we want to exploit the accessories business. This is…

Liz Claiborne Inc on Wednesday announced net sales for the fourth quarter 2006 were $1.33 billion, an increase of 10.8% from the comparable 2005 period. For the full year 2006, earnings per share were $2.46 compared to diluted earnings per share of $2.94 for the comparable 2005 period. Net sales for the full year 2006…

British consumers spent £7.66 billion online in the ten-week run-up to Christmas 2006 – between 16 October and 24 December – approximately 54% more than the £5 billion spent online during the same period in 2005, and more than double the £3.33 billion recorded in the approach to Christmas 2004, the IMRG Index reveals. Online…

Liberty of London is set to launch its menswear range internationally and will wholesale the collection Milan men’s fashion week later this month. Up until now, the range has only been available in the flagship Liberty store in London but for spring/summer 2008 it will be available at boutiques worldwide. The women’s and home collections…

Model-cum-designer Kate Moss’ second range for Topshop store is expected to sell out in hours when it launches in London in September. The enduring appeal of the supermodel has fashionistas scrambling over one another to get hold of one of her latest designs. Moss’ debut for Topshop earned Phillip Green’s fashion emporium GBP3.5 million in…